Guru Nanak Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Prakash Parv, marks the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. In 2025, Guru Nanak Gurpurab falls on Wednesday, 5th November, aligning with the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima.
This pious festival is celebrated with grandeur across India, especially in Punjab, Delhi, Bihar, and parts of Himachal & Uttarakhand. The celebrations include:
- Prabhat Pheris (early morning hymns)
- Akhand Path Sahib – 48-hour non-stop reading of Guru Granth Sahib
- Nagar Kirtan processions with Gatka performances
- Kirtan, Ardaas & Katha sessions in Gurudwaras
- Guru Ka Langar serving free food to lakhs with love & equality
This travel guide shares the top places in India to witness Guru Nanak Gurpurab in its true glory, along with information on how to reach each location by bus, what to expect, and travel tips. ππ
Top Places in India to Witness Guru Nanak Gurpurab Celebrations:
π 1. Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab – The Heart of Gurpurab Celebrations
No destination matches the divinity of celebrating Gurpurab at the Golden Temple – the holiest Sikh shrine. The entire complex glows with lights, fireworks illuminate the sky, devotional shabads echo through the night, and the langar feeds millions with devotion.
π Why Visit During Gurpurab?
- Mesmerising night view with shimmering lights over the Amrit Sarovar
- Continuous Kirtan, Gurbani & divine atmosphere
- One of the largest langars in the world serves 24Γ7
- A breathtaking fireworks display after night kirtan
π How to Reach Amritsar By Bus:
- Frequent Volvo AC & Sleeper Buses from Delhi to Amritsar (8β10 hrs)
- Well-connected buses from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Pathankot
- Book 7β10 days before Gurpurab to avoid surge pricing
Nearest Bus Stations:
- Amritsar ISBT
- Local auto/taxi available to Golden Temple (10-15 mins)
πͺΆ 2. Takht Sri Patna Sahib, Patna, Bihar – A Sacred Takht with Deep Historical Roots
Located in Patna, Takht Sri Harmandir Sahib (Patna Sahib) is the Birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and an important Sikh Takht. Gurpurab here is celebrated with spiritual discipline, soulful kirtan, and magnificent gatherings.
π Why Visit During Gurpurab?
- Gurudwara holds special Prakash Utsav ceremonies
- Devotees visit from Nepal, Bengal, Jharkhand & Eastern India
- Grand langar and spiritual discourse sessions throughout the day
π How to Reach Patna Sahib By Bus:
- Regular bus services from Ranchi, Kolkata, Gaya, & Varanasi to Patna
- Intra-state buses connect Patna to all major Bihar cities
From Patna Bus Stand:
- Patna Sahib Gurudwara is 20-30 mins by auto/cab
ποΈ 3. Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab – Where Guru Nanak Attained Enlightenment
Sultanpur Lodhi is a serene pilgrimage town where Guru Nanak spent 14 years and received divine enlightenment by the Kali Bein river. Celebrating Gurpurab here offers a peaceful and spiritually deep experience.
π Why Visit During Gurpurab?
- Visit Gurudwara Ber Sahib β the sacred site associated with enlightenment
- Peaceful celebration with less crowd than Amritsar
- Town turns into a spiritual retreat with kirtan everywhere
π How to Reach Sultanpur Lodhi By Bus:
- Well-connected via bus from Kapurthala, Jalandhar & Amritsar
- If coming from Delhi/Chandigarh, take a bus to Jalandhar, then a local bus/auto to Sultanpur Lodhi
Nearest Bus Stop:
- Sultanpur Lodhi Bus Stand (Central area)
ποΈ 4. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi – The Capitalβs Grand Gurpurab Celebration
If you cannot travel to Punjab, then Bangla Sahib in Delhi is perfect to witness a spiritually rich Gurpurab celebration. The beautifully lit sarovar, soulful kirtan and well-organized langar create an unforgettable experience.
π Why Visit During Gurpurab?
- 24-hour kirtan & langar
- Central Delhi location makes it accessible for all
- Huge participation from all communities – true harmony
π How to Reach Bangla Sahib By Bus/Metro:
- Local DTC buses connect all parts of Delhi to Connaught Place
- Nearest Metro Stations: Rajiv Chowk / Shivaji Stadium / Patel Chowk
- Autos available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar & Sarai Kale Khan
π― 5. Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab – Historic Sikh Seat of Authority
Located in the Shivalik Hills, Anandpur Sahib is the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth. It holds great significance and hosts grand celebrations on Gurpurab.
π Why Visit During Gurpurab?
- One of the Five Sikh Takhts
- Spectacular Nagar Kirtan and Gatka martial art performances
- Blissful surroundings with strong spiritual energy
π How to Reach Anandpur Sahib By Bus:
- Regular buses from Chandigarh (1β1.5 hrs)
- Direct buses available from Ludhiana, Mohali & Amritsar
Nearest Bus Stand:
- Anandpur Sahib Bus Terminal (close to Gurudwara)
ποΈ 6. Hemkund Sahib & Nearby Hill Gurudwaras – A Serene Spiritual Getaway
Though Hemkund Sahib is generally closed in November due to snow, nearby hill-region Gurudwaras in Himachal & Uttarakhand celebrate Gurpurab beautifully. Ideal for travellers seeking a calm devotional escape in the mountains.
Best Places:
- Gurudwara Nada Sahib, Panchkula
- Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, Uttarakhand
- Rewalsar Sahib (near Mandi/Manali)
π How to Reach Rewalsar / Manali:
- Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali
- Local cab/bus to Rewalsar
Paonta Sahib:
- Buses from Chandigarh, Dehradun & Delhi
π§³ Essential Travel Tips for Gurpurab 2025
π Book buses 7-12 days early to avoid high pricing
π§£ Carry a scarf/head-cover for Gurudwara visit
π Wear comfortable footwear for long queues
π€ Participate in Sewa for a truly fulfilling experience
ποΈ Stay near Gurudwara to avoid traffic delays
β Conclusion
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is not just a festival – it is a soul-nourishing, heart-touching spiritual celebration of equality, kindness, and devotion. Whether you choose the grandeur of Amritsar, the sacred calm of Sultanpur Lodhi, the historic charm of Patna Sahib, or the accessibility of Delhi – each destination offers a unique divine experience.
This 5th November 2025, plan your pilgrimage, travel comfortably by bus, soak in the divinity of Gurbani, taste the bliss of Guru Ka Langar, and return with a heart full of peace. πβ¨